COAS vows strong defence

SARGODHA - Army Chief General Raheel Sharif said on Wednesday that the country was fully prepared for any possible foreign aggression.He said this during the induction ceremony of a batch of F-16 fighter jets into the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Squadron Number 19 in Sargodha. He was the chief guest. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has re-equipped fourth Squadron with state-of-the art F-16s. The army chief congratulated the PAF on the induction of new F-16 jet fighters. He said that PAF has always fulfilled people's expectations.The army chief added that PAF and Pak Army will fight side by side for the defence of the country. He said that Pakistan Army will combat any challenge along with PAF. He also hailed operational and training capabilities of the Air Force."This day will be remembered as landmark even in history... This indictment will further strengthen the historic terms of Pakistan and Jordan." He said the fighter jets will help Pakistan's armed forces effectively fight the war against terrorism and safeguard territorial integrity of the country. Addressing the function, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt said that the induction of the F-16 jet fighters into PAF will enable it to cope with external and internal challenges more effectively. He thanked the Jordanian Air Force for the provision of F-16 jet fighters. He said PAF is ready to confront any foreign aggression.Earlier, a smartly turned out contingent of 19th Squadron presented the general salute to the chief guest followed by parade. The chief guest transferred the Squadron flag to the new commander. As per tradition newly inducted F-16s presented a fly-past followed by a stunning aerial display. It is worthy to note, that the aircrafts have been purchased at a minimal price from Royal Jordanian Air Force after series of negotiations held between concerned ministries and the concerted efforts of Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt.Number 19 Squadron "Sher Dils" was raised in 1958 at PAF Base Mauripur with 12 American origin F-86F Sabre Aircraft. During 1965 war, Number 19 Squadron, apart from other victories, had the unrivalled distinction of carrying out the first successful close air support mission at Wagha, and famous air strike at Pathankot airfield. It also has the honour of having six Sitara-e-Jurat. In 1990, the Squadron was equipped with Pakistan's newly acquired Chinese F-7P interceptor aircraft and was converted into an Operational Conversion Unit in July 1991.